The 18th Floor

Chapter Forty

Monday morning, Lucien greets me in the office with my usual coffee order and I can see Simon trying to figure out what has changed between us through the glass panels across our offices, but also see a sense of relief flash across his face when he sees Lucien smiling.

Lucien didn't stay till late on Saturday, saying he needed to take his car for repair on Sunday, and I went to my usual sessions at the hospital.

When Lucien pops out to go to the bathroom, Simon sneaks in quickly. I begin to start speaking, but he acts first.

"He called me on Sunday. He didn't tell me everything, but that he's getting the help he needs. And that you are helping him. Helping each other."

I nod.

"That's good. I'm happy for both of you, I hope it works out. But I want you to be careful." I look at him in confusion.

"I don't say this lightly, and you know I don't say this in a mean way either, you're both people I love dearly, but you're also both sensitive people. Just be careful, ok?"

"Ok", I promise Simon. Simon has known Lucien for years; he has a better judgement. He may be his best friend, but Simon is also my friend and a level-headed one at that. It's what I always liked about him, he's able to put emotions aside and assess the situation for what it is.

Simon smiles back and says, "thank you", as he leaves the office before Lucien comes back.

--

As the end of the day approaches, me and Lucien make our way down to the car park. As he leads the way, I notice I can't see his car anywhere.

"Did you not park in your usual spot today?", I ask.

"I did", he says smiling, as he pulls out his keys and I see the lights beep on a car that is not his.

"Whose car is that?", I ask confused.

"Mine", he winks as he makes his way over the Mercedes S-Class, clearly a model from this year.

"What?", I say again. He's laughing now. "I thought you were just going to get it serviced, not a new car?"

"Well, I've had my sights set on something a little different for a while now. A little something closer to the ground", he says, as he turns his face to find mine.

He bought a new car for me. So, I can get in and out by myself?

"Lucien... you didn't have to."

"I wanted to. So, my girlfriend, who refuses to officially be my girlfriend yet, doesn't have to always wait on me, but of course knows that I am always available on hand to carry her where she pleases", he winks.

I pull him down by his tie, so my hands find his face and bring him in for a kiss. His hands holding the frame of my chair as he takes me in.

"Thank you", I breathe out. He kisses me back.

Slowly releasing from one another, he goes to open my door, "the choice is yours my love."

I angle my chair to the door, trying to get a feel for the proportions and space I have to deal with. As with any transfer, I angle myself, taking a foot off each rest, then in a swift motion transfer myself from my wheelchair to my seat. I pull my feet dangling from outside in the car, and look back up to find Lucien watching me with an expression of awe and pride across his face.

"You're beautiful", he says, as he leans over the car window, planting a kiss before closing the door to take my chair to the boot. I can't help but blush.